County imposes truck load limits

Spring load limits for trucks have been set by the Flathead County commissioners and became effective on Tuesday.

The temporary measure is intended to prevent damage to county roadways during the spring thaw by reducing the amount of weight they have to support.

Trucks will be limited to either 350 or 400 pounds per inch of tire width, depending on the number of axles per truck. That translates to truck weights ranging from 14,000 to 32,000 pounds.

In addition to weight limits, speed limits on most county roads also are reduced to 35 mph during the thaw.

As roads dry out, the weight limits generally are lifted, typically first in the valley floor and later at higher elevations.

Variances may be sought through the county Road and Bridge Department, which also has a complete list of roads affected by the load limits.